Rédaction Africa Links 24 with Mimi Mefo Info (Editor)
Published on 2024-02-15 14:45:23
Road transport union leaders in Cameroon have decided to call off their planned strike action, which was initially intended to protest the recent government increase in fuel prices. Instead, they are now pushing for an immediate increase in the official fare for urban and inter-urban transportation within the country.
The decision was made during a meeting held on February 14 in Yaoundé, which involved road transport union leaders and several government Ministers, including the Minister of Transport, Minister of Trade, and the Minister of Labor and Social Security.
The meeting came in response to the government’s decision to raise the price of petrol from FCFA 730 to FCFA 840 and diesel from FCFA 728 to FCFA 828. This increase, which had been hinted at by President Paul Biya on December 31, was met with significant criticism due to its potential to worsen the economic hardships faced by Cameroonians. It marked the second fuel price hike by the government in the past 12 months.
Feeling the direct impact of these changes, road transporters had announced their intention to go on strike in order to demand an increase in transport fares. This prompted an intervention from the administration, resulting in the meeting with Road Transport Unions and the Cameroon Road Transport Group (GTTC), which took place at the CSPH headquarters in Yaoundé.
Following the meeting, road transporters agreed on the urgent need to readjust prices and tariffs for urban, peri-urban, and inter-urban transport to reflect the impact of the fuel price increases on the operating costs of transport companies. They also resolved to implement a 15% increase in the cost of transporting petroleum products within cities, as well as a 15% rise in the minimum price of transporting goods across the country. Additionally, they agreed that the government will review the value added tax (VAT) and customs duties on the importation of spare parts and other car inputs.
The decision to increase the price of urban and inter-urban transport tariffs is expected to put additional strain on Cameroonians. Currently, the official taxi drop in urban settings costs FCFA 300 during the day and FCFA 350 at night. This price was increased by FCFA 50 in February last year after the government raised fuel prices.
An impending increase in transportation prices will further reduce the purchasing power of the average Cameroonian, many of whom are already struggling to make ends meet and living below the poverty line.
In conclusion, the decision to call off the strike and push for increases in transportation fares reflects the ongoing challenges faced by both the government and the transport industry in addressing the economic impact of rising fuel prices on the people of Cameroon.
Read the original article(French) on Mimi Mefo Info
